Feed MRSS-S venezuela_a, english.elpais.com en-us https://english.elpais.com Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:03:49 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-16/discontent-over-us-intervention-grows-in-venezuela-this-isnt-getting-better-it-gets-worse-every-day.html Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:03:49 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-16/discontent-over-us-intervention-grows-in-venezuela-this-isnt-getting-better-it-gets-worse-every-day.html Alonso Moleiro Washington pushes economic issues tied to its interests, while expectations of near‑term political change fade Washington pushes economic issues tied to its interests, while expectations of near‑term political change fade Venezuela Washington D.C. Caracas Donald Trump Tren de Aragua Delcy Rodríguez Chavismo Hugo Chávez María Corina Machado Maxwell Briceno (Anadolu via Getty Images) A U.S. Osprey aircraft flies over Caracas, May 23. A U.S. Osprey aircraft flies over Caracas, May 23. <p>U.S. guardianship over Venezuela endures. And with it a hard-to-describe sense of waiting grows among the population: a huge expectation of economic improvements and a transition to democracy that has yet to materialize. Impatience is spreading, especially among political elites. Oil production is rising, driven by <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-10/venezuela-approves-new-mining-law-to-open-its-subsoil-to-foreign-capital.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-10/venezuela-approves-new-mining-law-to-open-its-subsoil-to-foreign-capital.html">new exploitation licenses granted by Washington</a>, but the surplus has not yet translated into revenue for the treasury. The currency steadily depreciates. Economic stagnation is one of the most frequent — and distressing — topics of conversation in the streets of Caracas. Contrary to what Donald Trump said, Venezuelans are not dancing with joy in the streets.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-16/discontent-over-us-intervention-grows-in-venezuela-this-isnt-getting-better-it-gets-worse-every-day.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-15/trump-and-delcy-rodriguezs-joint-hunt-in-the-gold-mines-of-venezuela.html Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:48:39 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-15/trump-and-delcy-rodriguezs-joint-hunt-in-the-gold-mines-of-venezuela.html María Martín In an unprecedented operation, the two countries kill the leader of Tren de Aragua after identifying the man’s leg tattoo In an unprecedented operation, the two countries kill the leader of Tren de Aragua after identifying the man’s leg tattoo Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez Nicolás Maduro Tren de Aragua EFE Venezuela confirma muerte del líder del Tren de Aragua en una operación junto a EE.UU. Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, in archival photos provided by the government of Venezuela Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, in archival photos provided by the government of Venezuela <p>The video, taken from the air, shows a modest green-roofed building in a forest clearing in southeastern Venezuela. As in the dozens of videos Donald Trump has shared over the last months of supposed narco-boats being blasted apart in the Caribbean Sea, the house disintegrates after the missile hits. A column of black smoke rises over the trees, visible from miles away. Ten seconds is all it took <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-15/hector-barros-chilean-prosecutor-on-the-death-of-nino-guerrero-tren-de-aragua-will-continue-to-operate.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-15/hector-barros-chilean-prosecutor-on-the-death-of-nino-guerrero-tren-de-aragua-will-continue-to-operate.html">to kill Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores</a>, 42, aka El Niño Guerrero, the leader of Tren de Aragua, Venezuela’s most powerful criminal group that operated with official complicity for years.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-15/trump-and-delcy-rodriguezs-joint-hunt-in-the-gold-mines-of-venezuela.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-15/hector-barros-chilean-prosecutor-on-the-death-of-nino-guerrero-tren-de-aragua-will-continue-to-operate.html Mon, 15 Jun 2026 13:37:08 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-15/hector-barros-chilean-prosecutor-on-the-death-of-nino-guerrero-tren-de-aragua-will-continue-to-operate.html Maolis Castro The prosecutor, who leads inquiries into the transnational criminal organization, reveals he had information that its boss had been in Venezuela for a few days. ‘Our aspiration was to bring him before the courts,’ he says The prosecutor, who leads inquiries into the transnational criminal organization, reveals he had information that its boss had been in Venezuela for a few days. ‘Our aspiration was to bring him before the courts,’ he says Tren de Aragua Venezuela Santiago de Chile Diosdado Cabello Chile Donald Trump Pablo Escobar Cristobal Venegas (EL PAÍS) Héctor Barros in his office in Santiago, Chile. Héctor Barros in his office in Santiago, Chile. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/6NU4QKK2EBGLDJKYU3OXDRTI24.jpg?auth=2281478109724073c0f7af1c97ca673f97403143e2b92c01fe3b33a060ba13ca" width="7577" height="5051" alt="Héctor Barros in his office in Santiago, Chile."></img><p>Chilean prosecutor Héctor Barros, coordinator of the Organized Crime and Homicide Teams (ECOH) of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, was not indifferent to the death of Tren de Aragua leader Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, alias “<a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-09-25/el-nino-guerrero-the-elusive-boss-of-the-tren-de-aragua-criminal-gang.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-09-25/el-nino-guerrero-the-elusive-boss-of-the-tren-de-aragua-criminal-gang.html">Niño Guerrero</a>,” last Friday in a joint United States–Venezuela operation. “Our aspiration was always to be able to capture him and bring him before the courts,” he said in an interview with EL PAÍS<i> </i>on Saturday.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-15/hector-barros-chilean-prosecutor-on-the-death-of-nino-guerrero-tren-de-aragua-will-continue-to-operate.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-10/venezuela-releases-54-political-prisoners-all-members-of-the-military.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:39:33 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-10/venezuela-releases-54-political-prisoners-all-members-of-the-military.html Alonso Moleiro Most were part of the so‑called Operation White Armband, an alleged conspiracy denounced by Chavista intelligence agencies Most were part of the so‑called Operation White Armband, an alleged conspiracy denounced by Chavista intelligence agencies Venezuela Caracas Delcy Rodríguez Nicolás Maduro Ariana Cubillos (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Venezuela Political Prisoners Relatives of political prisoners camp near the U.S. embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, on June 9, 2026. Relatives of political prisoners camp near the U.S. embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, on June 9, 2026. <p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-16/venezuela-the-risk-of-changing-so-everything-stays-the-same.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-16/venezuela-the-risk-of-changing-so-everything-stays-the-same.html">The Venezuelan government</a> on Tuesday authorized the release of another 54 political prisoners, all military personnel, according to information confirmed by relatives of the detainees and support groups such as the Coalition for Human Rights and Democracy. Three of those released are women. According to data provided by Foro Penal official Gonzalo Himiob, most of them were part of the so‑called Operation White Armband, an alleged military conspiracy denounced by Venezuelan intelligence agencies four years ago. They had been held at Ramo Verde prison and the National Institute for Female Rehabilitation (INOF).</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-10/venezuela-releases-54-political-prisoners-all-members-of-the-military.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-07/zapatero-a-decade-on-the-edge-in-venezuela.html Sun, 07 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-07/zapatero-a-decade-on-the-edge-in-venezuela.html Juan Diego Quesada Now under investigation back home on influence-peddling and money laundering charges, the ex-prime minister of Spain defends his risky mediation with Chavismo and the opposition by noting the number of political prisoners he helped free Now under investigation back home on influence-peddling and money laundering charges, the ex-prime minister of Spain defends his risky mediation with Chavismo and the opposition by noting the number of political prisoners he helped free José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero Venezuela Pedro Sánchez PSOE Plus Ultra Delcy Rodríguez María Corina Machado Leopoldo López OEA/EUROPA PRESS Zapatero se encuentra en Caracas para participar en un foro invitado por Delcy Rodríguez Zapatero with Delcy Rodríguez in 2016. Zapatero with Delcy Rodríguez in 2016. <p>Those were turbulent times. It was November 2024 and Nicolás Maduro was holed up inside Miraflores Palace, the Venezuelan presidential residence. When any foreign leader hinted to him that it might be time to leave power, he answered with a single word: “Never.” The police and intelligence services under his command detained thousands of people who had <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-12-13/in-attempt-to-ease-pressure-maduro-announces-release-of-over-100-protesters-detained-after-contested-election.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-12-13/in-attempt-to-ease-pressure-maduro-announces-release-of-over-100-protesters-detained-after-contested-election.html">taken to the streets to protest</a> the electoral fraud that Chavismo had perpetrated in plain view of the world. Protesters had pulled down bronze statues of Hugo Chávez across the country. Prisons were overflowing. The nation was on the brink of rebellion or a bloodbath — or both. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-07/zapatero-a-decade-on-the-edge-in-venezuela.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-06-04/venezuela-opens-its-electricity-system-to-private-investment.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:14:56 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-06-04/venezuela-opens-its-electricity-system-to-private-investment.html Alonso Moleiro The policy shift aims to address the collapse of a grid that has been battered by blackouts and problems over the past two decades, and includes a tariff increase The policy shift aims to address the collapse of a grid that has been battered by blackouts and problems over the past two decades, and includes a tariff increase Venezuela Caracas Delcy Rodríguez Nicolás Maduro MIGUEL GUTIERREZ (EFE) Venezuela electricity system Session in Venezuela’s assembly, in April. Session in Venezuela’s assembly, in April. <p>The National Assembly of Venezuela, controlled <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-16/venezuela-the-risk-of-changing-so-everything-stays-the-same.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-16/venezuela-the-risk-of-changing-so-everything-stays-the-same.html">by Chavismo</a>, has taken a step toward ending the state monopoly over the electricity service, which has been in crisis with blackouts and other problems for two decades. A draft reform to the Organic Law of the Electric System and Service was approved in first reading; it is aimed at opening the field to private capital within a framework of long-term concessions. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-06-04/venezuela-opens-its-electricity-system-to-private-investment.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-02/the-other-carmen-navas-the-tireless-families-searching-for-relatives-who-disappeared-in-venezuelas-prisons.html Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:03:03 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-02/the-other-carmen-navas-the-tireless-families-searching-for-relatives-who-disappeared-in-venezuelas-prisons.html Florantonia Singer NGOs report there are at least 21 people irregularly detained whose whereabouts are unknown. In one case, the family has been searching for eight years NGOs report there are at least 21 people irregularly detained whose whereabouts are unknown. In one case, the family has been searching for eight years Venezuela Caracas Delcy Rodríguez Nicolás Maduro Ronald Peña R (EFE) Venezolanos hacen vigilia para honrar a la madre del preso político que murió en prisión People hold candles during a vigil in honor of Carmen Navas in Caracas, Venezuela. People hold candles during a vigil in honor of Carmen Navas in Caracas, Venezuela. <p>María Emely Delgado crossed paths with Carmen Navas several times this year: at the offices of the NGO Foro Penal, at the Public Ministry, and once at the El Rodeo prison on the outskirts of Caracas. Delgado is 63 years old, Navas was 82. Both were looking for their sons, who disappeared after being <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-21/venezuelas-longest-serving-political-prisoners-released-after-23-years-behind-bars.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-21/venezuelas-longest-serving-political-prisoners-released-after-23-years-behind-bars.html">arbitrarily detained</a>. Carmen Navas died 10 days after finding her son Víctor Hugo in a cemetery. She had spent 16 months searching for him. María Emely has still not found Jorgen. “You have to be in these shoes to know what this is like,” says the retired teacher, who has been wearing them for almost two years. “Her son had been missing for less time than mine; with Jorgen I’m now coming up on 22 months without news of him.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-02/the-other-carmen-navas-the-tireless-families-searching-for-relatives-who-disappeared-in-venezuelas-prisons.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-05-27/jose-javier-rodriguez-the-cubanamerican-democrat-seeking-to-rescue-the-florida-attorney-generals-office-from-trumpism.html Wed, 27 May 2026 09:43:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-05-27/jose-javier-rodriguez-the-cubanamerican-democrat-seeking-to-rescue-the-florida-attorney-generals-office-from-trumpism.html Abel Fernández The candidate aims to unseat Republican James Uthmeier, a close ally of Governor Ron DeSantis, who has led numerous measures and investigations aligned with President Trump’s agenda The candidate aims to unseat Republican James Uthmeier, a close ally of Governor Ron DeSantis, who has led numerous measures and investigations aligned with President Trump’s agenda Florida Ron DeSantis Donald Trump Marco Rubio Cuba Venezuela Will Schermerhorn José Javier Rodríguez José Javier Rodríguez, on May 18 2025. José Javier Rodríguez, on May 18 2025. <p>José Javier Rodríguez, the Democratic candidate for Florida attorney general, does not want the page turned on the notorious immigrant detention site <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-03-17/you-cant-hide-the-skull-patches-worn-by-guards-at-alligator-alcatraz.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-03-17/you-cant-hide-the-skull-patches-worn-by-guards-at-alligator-alcatraz.html">Alligator Alcatraz</a>, west of Miami, which has become a symbol of the “cruelty” of the Donald Trump administration. If he wins the November election, the 47-year-old Cuban American says he will investigate how Republican Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration established the facility as a “political theater for consumption in Washington.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-05-27/jose-javier-rodriguez-the-cubanamerican-democrat-seeking-to-rescue-the-florida-attorney-generals-office-from-trumpism.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-25/maduro-faces-new-criminal-investigation-from-federal-prosecutors-in-miami.html Mon, 25 May 2026 07:50:49 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-25/maduro-faces-new-criminal-investigation-from-federal-prosecutors-in-miami.html Luis Doncel According to outlets such as CBS and Reuters, the new probe against the former Venezuelan president comes amid doubts over the viability of the charges filed when he was detained in January by US forces According to outlets such as CBS and Reuters, the new probe against the former Venezuelan president comes amid doubts over the viability of the charges filed when he was detained in January by US forces Nicolás Maduro Venezuela Cilia Flores Delcy Rodríguez Alex Saab ADAM GRAY (REUTERS) Former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, on January 5, on his way to the Manhattan courthouse where he was to face charges of narco‑terrorism, conspiracy and drug trafficking. Former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, on January 5, on his way to the courthouse. Former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, on January 5, on his way to the courthouse. <p>Nicolás Maduro, the former president of Venezuela who was seized by U.S. forces in January and <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-03/trump-says-maduro-has-been-captured-and-flown-out-of-venezuela.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-03/trump-says-maduro-has-been-captured-and-flown-out-of-venezuela.html">taken to a New York prison</a>, faces a new legal challenge. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Miami is examining a new criminal inquiry into Maduro, U.S. outlets such as CBS and <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-pursuing-second-criminal-investigation-into-maduro-sources-say-2026-05-20/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" title="https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-pursuing-second-criminal-investigation-into-maduro-sources-say-2026-05-20/">Reuters</a> have reported in recent days. It is unclear whether that probe will lead to additional charges.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-25/maduro-faces-new-criminal-investigation-from-federal-prosecutors-in-miami.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-23/plus-ultra-conversations-place-delcy-rodriguez-at-the-center-of-the-operation-have-her-call-abalos-or-someone-with-zapatero.html Sat, 23 May 2026 20:38:30 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-23/plus-ultra-conversations-place-delcy-rodriguez-at-the-center-of-the-operation-have-her-call-abalos-or-someone-with-zapatero.html Irene Dorta,Rocío Martínez Posada EL PAÍS obtains the UDEF police report with the conversations from the network that implicate the former prime minister EL PAÍS obtains the UDEF police report with the conversations from the network that implicate the former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero Delcy Rodríguez Venezuela Plus Ultra Juan Carlos Torrejón (EFE) Zapatero Venezuela Former Spanish president, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, and current Venezuelan leader, Delcy Rodríguez. Former Spanish president, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, and current Venezuelan leader, Delcy Rodríguez. <p>It was in March 2020, with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, that Plus Ultra executives began considering the need to “access the aid” and, at the same time, to knock on the right doors at the “political level” to obtain it. A conversation between the airline’s then owner and vice president, Rodolfo Reyes and Julio Martínez Sola, respectively, shows the involvement —at least in an advisory capacity at an early stage— of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-16/venezuela-the-risk-of-changing-so-everything-stays-the-same.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-16/venezuela-the-risk-of-changing-so-everything-stays-the-same.html">Delcy Rodríguez</a>, who was formerly Venezuela’s number two. “Delcy, have her call Ábalos,” the first told the second. “Or someone with Zapatero,” added his vice president.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-23/plus-ultra-conversations-place-delcy-rodriguez-at-the-center-of-the-operation-have-her-call-abalos-or-someone-with-zapatero.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-22/the-dilemmas-over-cubas-future-regime-change-or-negotiated-transition.html Fri, 22 May 2026 09:36:57 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-22/the-dilemmas-over-cubas-future-regime-change-or-negotiated-transition.html David Marcial Pérez The precedent in Caracas looms over the island, but analysts and historians see a horizon of ‘capitalism without democracy’ as more likely than regime change The precedent in Caracas looms over the island, but analysts and historians see a horizon of ‘capitalism without democracy’ as more likely than regime change Cuba Donald Trump Marco Rubio Miguel Díaz-Canel Raúl Castro Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Delcy Rodríguez CIA China Ramon Espinosa (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) Cuba’s future Portraits of Miguel Díaz-Canel, Raúl and Fidel Castro at Havana’s Capitol, May 20. Portraits of Miguel Díaz-Canel, Raúl and Fidel Castro at Havana’s Capitol, May 20. <p>Between grandstanding, contradictory statements, and secret meetings, something is happening in Cuba. A path has opened that is still full of unknowns, but one that now seems hard to reverse. In recent days, events have accelerated with the unusual visit by the CIA chief to Havana, the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-21/raul-castro-indictment-corners-castroism-and-shows-how-far-trump-is-willing-to-go-in-cuba.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-21/raul-castro-indictment-corners-castroism-and-shows-how-far-trump-is-willing-to-go-in-cuba.html">U.S. indictment of Raúl Castro</a> — the Cuban Revolution’s last great symbol — and the deployment of an aircraft carrier in Caribbean waters near the island.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-22/the-dilemmas-over-cubas-future-regime-change-or-negotiated-transition.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-22/cubas-blackout-in-charts-more-hours-without-power-than-with-it-as-trumps-pressure-intensifies.html Fri, 22 May 2026 09:05:31 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-22/cubas-blackout-in-charts-more-hours-without-power-than-with-it-as-trumps-pressure-intensifies.html Juan Carlos Espinosa,Patricia San Juan Outages are soaring nationwide, compounding the long‑running crisis of a weakened electrical system from the Soviet era Outages are soaring nationwide, compounding the long‑running crisis of a weakened electrical system from the Soviet era Donald Trump Cuba Venezuela México Miguel Díaz-Canel Raúl Castro <p>Humor is often the Cuban people’s best tool for capturing their reality. That’s why, on an island that now spends more hours in darkness than with electricity, people no longer talk about <i>apagones</i> (blackouts) but about <i>alumbrones</i> — fleeting moments when the lights actually come on. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-22/cubas-blackout-in-charts-more-hours-without-power-than-with-it-as-trumps-pressure-intensifies.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-21/venezuelas-longest-serving-political-prisoners-released-after-23-years-behind-bars.html Thu, 21 May 2026 11:06:10 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-21/venezuelas-longest-serving-political-prisoners-released-after-23-years-behind-bars.html Florantonia Singer,Alonso Moleiro Héctor Rovaín, Luis Molina, and Erasmo Bolívar were convicted, without evidence, over deaths that occurred in 2002 during protests in which Hugo Chávez was briefly ousted Héctor Rovaín, Luis Molina, and Erasmo Bolívar were convicted, without evidence, over deaths that occurred in 2002 during protests in which Hugo Chávez was briefly ousted Venezuela Hugo Chávez Caracas Jorge Rodríguez Gómez Delcy Rodríguez Observatorio venezolano de prisiones Venezuela’s political prisoners released Luis Molina, Erasmo Bolívar, and Héctor Rovaín leaving prison on Wednesday. Luis Molina, Erasmo Bolívar, and Héctor Rovaín leaving prison on Wednesday. <p>Héctor Rovaín was 34 when he went to prison and his parents were still alive. He left at 57 without having been able to bury them. Luis Molina left his daughter as a three‑year‑old and will now meet a married woman and a grandchild he has yet to know. Like the other two, Erasmo Bolívar spent 23 Christmases without embracing his family. All three were officers of the Metropolitan Police (PM), a force that operated in Caracas and which no longer exists. They were accused, without evidence, along with six other officers, of two of the 19 deaths that occurred on April 11, 2002, when an opposition‑called protest tried to reach the Miraflores presidential palace and demonstrators were repelled by gunfire. There remain doubts about where those bullets came from. That same day, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-30/a-witness-to-the-many-lives-of-nicolas-maduro.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-30/a-witness-to-the-many-lives-of-nicolas-maduro.html">Hugo Chávez was toppled in a coup d’état</a>, though he returned to power 48 hours later.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-21/venezuelas-longest-serving-political-prisoners-released-after-23-years-behind-bars.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-20/profile-zapatero-from-spotless-spanish-leader-to-former-prime-minister-under-suspicion.html Wed, 20 May 2026 14:17:15 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-20/profile-zapatero-from-spotless-spanish-leader-to-former-prime-minister-under-suspicion.html Xosé Hermida He is the first former head of government to be formally accused after leaving office with an unblemished record He is the first former head of government to be formally accused after leaving office with an unblemished record José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero José María Aznar PSOE Pedro Sánchez Venezuela Efe CONGRESO PSOE 2000 José Bono raises José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s arm after the latter won the PSOE’s 35th congress in July 2000. José Bono raises José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s arm after the latter won the PSOE’s 35th congress in July 2000. <p>La Moncloa, the seat of government in Spain, seems to carry a curse. Ever since Adolfo Suárez decided in 1976 to establish the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2018/04/17/inenglish/1523960960_848141.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2018/04/17/inenglish/1523960960_848141.html">headquarters of the first democratic government</a> in 40 years at La Moncloa Palace, no prime minister has left it without calamity or disgrace. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-20/profile-zapatero-from-spotless-spanish-leader-to-former-prime-minister-under-suspicion.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/2I54J2UYQFEM7IRXFDXU25GC6A.jpg?auth=5810ac37a492ecd253386beba2d4746c55870ec05c19a47957450387544d5bad" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Zapatero, during an interview in 2024."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-20/chavismo-frees-samantha-the-teenager-jailed-for-being-the-sister-of-a-military-officer.html Wed, 20 May 2026 10:27:56 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-20/chavismo-frees-samantha-the-teenager-jailed-for-being-the-sister-of-a-military-officer.html Florantonia Singer The release of the 16-year-old comes amid outrage over the death of Carmen Navas, the mother of a political prisoner who died in state custody The release of the 16-year-old comes amid outrage over the death of Carmen Navas, the mother of a political prisoner who died in state custody Venezuela Diosdado Cabello Nicolás Maduro UN Delcy Rodríguez Ariana Cubillos (AP) Venezuela Prisoners Relatives of political prisoners hold a vigil outside the Rodeo I prison, May 10. Relatives of political prisoners hold a vigil outside the Rodeo I prison, May 10. <p>Samantha Hernández Castillo was implicated in a plot to plant a bomb in Caracas that never detonated. When she was arrested last November, she was at her grandparents’ house and about to start her final year of high school. Samantha is 16 and the younger sister of First Lieutenant Christian Hernández, an exiled officer accused of military conspiracy. On Monday night, six months after her arrest, she was released from a juvenile detention center under precautionary measures; the restrictions she still faces remain unknown. She appears in a photo with a flat smile and an emoji sweater, embraced by her grandparents. But her family remains broken.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-20/chavismo-frees-samantha-the-teenager-jailed-for-being-the-sister-of-a-military-officer.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-20/chavista-leadership-throws-maduros-strongman-alex-saab-to-the-lions.html Wed, 20 May 2026 09:57:48 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-20/chavista-leadership-throws-maduros-strongman-alex-saab-to-the-lions.html María Martín The handover of the former regime fixer to the United States is the most revealing episode of how the Rodríguez siblings, backed by Diosdado Cabello, are trying to sever the most toxic ties of the Maduro era The handover of the former regime fixer to the United States is the most revealing episode of how the Rodríguez siblings, backed by Diosdado Cabello, are trying to sever the most toxic ties of the Maduro era Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Delcy Rodríguez Diosdado Cabello Washington D.C. Fidel Castro Tarek Williams Saab Cilia Flores Jesus Vargas (AP) Alex Saab Alex Saab in Caracas, in January 2024. Alex Saab in Caracas, in January 2024. <p>Three days of controversy were enough for Jorge Rodríguez to deliver the final thrust. The president of Venezuela’s National Assembly dealt Alex Saab — Nicolás Maduro’s front man — a coup de grâce on Tuesday. <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-18/alex-saabs-latest-downfall-rescued-by-maduro-and-handed-over-by-delcy-rodriguez.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-18/alex-saabs-latest-downfall-rescued-by-maduro-and-handed-over-by-delcy-rodriguez.html">Saab was deported to Miami on Saturday</a>, where he faces charges of money laundering and bribing senior officials. “Since 2019, Alex Saab’s case has been his business with U.S. agencies [...] Soon all of you will find out what kind of relationship he had and has with those agencies,” Rodríguez said. It was the final nail in the coffin for one of the major symbols of Maduro’s era of power, a figure once defended and praised by many, including Rodríguez himself, who led the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-06/the-rise-and-fall-of-alex-saab-financial-shark-of-the-bolivarian-revolution.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-06/the-rise-and-fall-of-alex-saab-financial-shark-of-the-bolivarian-revolution.html">negotiation to bring him back from a U.S. prison</a>. Saab’s case is perhaps the episode that best illustrates, so far, the new strategy of power in Caracas.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-20/chavista-leadership-throws-maduros-strongman-alex-saab-to-the-lions.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/health/2026-05-19/venezuela-identifies-new-mosquito-capable-of-transmitting-malaria-in-mining-region.html Tue, 19 May 2026 15:36:56 GMT https://english.elpais.com/health/2026-05-19/venezuela-identifies-new-mosquito-capable-of-transmitting-malaria-in-mining-region.html Kaoru Yonekura It can breed in mining pits and withstands drought. While not cause for alarm, the finding highlights the epidemiological challenges facing a country that eradicated this disease in the 1960s It can breed in mining pits and withstands drought. While not cause for alarm, the finding highlights the epidemiological challenges facing a country that eradicated this disease in the 1960s Malaria Venezuela Amazonas Matias Delacroix (AP) Venezuela Gold Mining Mining in Venezuela, January 22. Mining in Venezuela, January 22. <p>Ítalo Pizarro is a teacher and leader of the Indigenous Pemón community of San Miguel de Betania. He has never been a miner, but he lives surrounded by mines in the Sifontes municipality of Bolívar state, Venezuela — one of the epicenters of both mining activity and malaria transmission in the country. He has had malaria five times, most recently in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Now the disease is once again a concern: one of his five‑year‑old students has malaria for the eighth time, and her mother for the fifteenth.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/health/2026-05-19/venezuela-identifies-new-mosquito-capable-of-transmitting-malaria-in-mining-region.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-19/what-is-former-spanish-pm-zapatero-accused-of-inside-the-plus-ultra-case.html Tue, 19 May 2026 14:36:11 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-19/what-is-former-spanish-pm-zapatero-accused-of-inside-the-plus-ultra-case.html Liliana Ochoa A judge from Spain’s High Court has lifted the seal on the investigation he has been leading for months with the Anti-Corruption Attorney General’s Office A judge from Spain’s High Court has lifted the seal on the investigation he has been leading for months with the Anti-Corruption Attorney General’s Office Plus Ultra José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero Venezuela PSOE PP MIGUEL GUTIÉRREZ (EFE) Rodríguez Zapatero regresa a Venezuela para apoyar en el proceso de amnistía José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, in an archive image. José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, in an archive image. <p>Spain’s former prime minister <a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-19/exspanish-pm-zapatero-charged-over-alleged-influencepeddling-scheme.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-19/exspanish-pm-zapatero-charged-over-alleged-influencepeddling-scheme.html">José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is under investigation</a> in a corruption case being handled by Spain’s High Court, the Audiencia Nacional. The news made headlines on Tuesday and sparked reactions across the political spectrum. Here are the key questions about the investigation, which has been shrouded in secrecy for months.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-19/what-is-former-spanish-pm-zapatero-accused-of-inside-the-plus-ultra-case.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/V3E7ZLIVWNHDHF37XISIARAXGE.jpg?auth=77c9cb455d36ba3ab13d3c2c4f07b6ddbb0f6e6fa8f85f91be4daef21f5769b2" width="8192" height="5307" alt="Ferraz Street, where former prime minister Zapatero's office is located. "></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/MZPIOA6UZRCCDOPE4PY6WM5O7I.jpg?auth=12d40bb85b80dd383d5b327af1681246bb619ca7950e8504f54b62d09c110bb8" width="6779" height="4279" alt="Businessman Julio Martínez."></img> https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-05-19/red-roses-for-the-cia-in-havana.html Tue, 19 May 2026 10:12:36 GMT https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-05-19/red-roses-for-the-cia-in-havana.html Carlos Manuel Álvarez The United States is about to devour a meal that the Castro regime has diligently prepared for it The United States is about to devour a meal that the Castro regime has diligently prepared for it Cuba Washington D.C. CIA Venezuela Miguel Díaz-Canel CIA US-CUBA-CIA-John Ratcliffe CIA Director John Ratcliffe (left) meets with Cuban intelligence director Ramón Romero Curbelo (right) in Havana, May 14. CIA Director John Ratcliffe (left) meets with Cuban intelligence director Ramón Romero Curbelo (right) in Havana, May 14. <p>Seeing John Ratcliffe, the CIA director, in Havana might be less surprising than seeing Ramón Romero Curbelo, head of the Intelligence Directorate of Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior. His face had appeared on television before, but not in connection with his official position, and it is his position that gives such a face its expression. Images of him can be found at military events on the island, or in official delegations to <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-27/the-crime-against-nicaraguas-stateless-persons.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-27/the-crime-against-nicaraguas-stateless-persons.html">Nicaragua</a> and Vietnam, though always as part of a larger group. Another powerful military officer, which is no small matter, but not quite what we now know it to be.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-05-19/red-roses-for-the-cia-in-havana.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-18/tareck-el-aissami-the-former-venezuelan-power-broker-now-turning-against-his-own-in-court.html Mon, 18 May 2026 09:58:32 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-18/tareck-el-aissami-the-former-venezuelan-power-broker-now-turning-against-his-own-in-court.html Florantonia Singer The former oil minister, who is on trial for corruption, has denounced torture and extortion by prominent figures in the regime The former oil minister, who is on trial for corruption, has denounced torture and extortion by prominent figures in the regime Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Delcy Rodríguez Tarek Williams Saab Tareck El Aissami Matias Delacroix (AP) VENEZUELA - TARECK EL AISSAMI Tareck El Aissami (center) in Venezuela, in March 2023. Tareck El Aissami (center) in Venezuela, in March 2023. <p>Less than a month ago, a trial began in Venezuela that once seemed impossible. <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-03-21/tareck-el-aissami-hugo-chavezs-protege-who-increased-his-power-under-maduro.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-03-21/tareck-el-aissami-hugo-chavezs-protege-who-increased-his-power-under-maduro.html">Tareck El Aissami</a> — just three years ago, the most powerful man in the Venezuelan regime, a former vice president, former oil minister, and an inseparable figure in the governments of Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro — arrived at the first hearing in a wheelchair, visibly thinner, wearing the light‑blue prison uniform. He is the central figure in the largest corruption case opened in Venezuela in two decades: 64 defendants, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-04-17/venezuelas-economic-crisis-fueled-by-looting-of-its-state-owned-oil-company.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-04-17/venezuelas-economic-crisis-fueled-by-looting-of-its-state-owned-oil-company.html">billions of dollars missing</a>, and a criminal system built from within the state to evade U.S. sanctions.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-18/tareck-el-aissami-the-former-venezuelan-power-broker-now-turning-against-his-own-in-court.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-18/alex-saabs-latest-downfall-rescued-by-maduro-and-handed-over-by-delcy-rodriguez.html Mon, 18 May 2026 09:58:12 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-18/alex-saabs-latest-downfall-rescued-by-maduro-and-handed-over-by-delcy-rodriguez.html Florantonia Singer The businessman’s arrest in Washington raises many questions about his nationality and his fall from grace The businessman’s arrest in Washington raises many questions about his nationality and his fall from grace Alex Saab Nicolás Maduro Donald Trump Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez Jorge Rodríguez Gómez Chavismo Anthoni Belchi (EFE) Alex Saab llega a Miami tras su deportación de Venezuela a EE.UU. Alex Saab, escorted by DEA agents, arrived at Opa-lock airport on Saturday. Alex Saab, escorted by DEA agents, arrived at Opa-lock airport on Saturday. <p>On December 20, 2023, Nicolás Maduro, cheerful and emotional, embraced Alex Saab in Miraflores and told him he had always known the day of his freedom would come. The Colombian businessman — accused of being Maduro’s front man and of playing a key role in the financial operations of Chavismo — had spent three years detained between Cape Verde and the United States. Today, the two men in that embrace are both imprisoned in jails in New York and Miami. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-18/alex-saabs-latest-downfall-rescued-by-maduro-and-handed-over-by-delcy-rodriguez.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-17/trump-repeats-the-venezuela-playbook-to-force-change-in-cuba.html Sun, 17 May 2026 13:30:15 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-17/trump-repeats-the-venezuela-playbook-to-force-change-in-cuba.html Macarena Vidal Liy The CIA director presented Havana with demands similar to those he made to Caracas in January. The threat of prosecuting Raúl Castro evokes Nicolás Maduro’s capture The CIA director presented Havana with demands similar to those he made to Caracas in January. The threat of prosecuting Raúl Castro evokes Nicolás Maduro’s capture América Cuba Donald Trump Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Raúl Castro Marco Rubio Delcy Rodríguez Miguel Díaz-Canel Carlos Becerra (Getty Images) VENEZUELA - VIDA COTIDIANA - CARACAS A mural of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro on January 8, 2026, in Caracas. A mural of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro on January 8, 2026, in Caracas. <p>The image is striking: the CIA director — carrying the long history of U.S. interference in Cuba and Latin America on his shoulders — John Ratcliffe seated at the same table as his Cuban counterpart, Ramón Romero Curbelo; Cuba’s interior minister, Lázaro Casas; and <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-16/el-cangrejo-raul-castros-favorite-grandson-in-talks-with-the-united-states.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-16/el-cangrejo-raul-castros-favorite-grandson-in-talks-with-the-united-states.html">Raúl Castro’s grandson, Raúl Rodríguez Castro</a>. In Havana. Conversing cordially on the very same day that, amid popular protests and sweeping blackouts, the regime issued an SOS: the island’s last remaining fuel reserves had run dry.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-17/trump-repeats-the-venezuela-playbook-to-force-change-in-cuba.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-16/venezuela-the-risk-of-changing-so-everything-stays-the-same.html Sat, 16 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-16/venezuela-the-risk-of-changing-so-everything-stays-the-same.html Alonso Moleiro The opposition, which is awaiting US support to move forward with a schedule for elections, is skeptical about the institutional reforms undertaken by the government The opposition, which is awaiting US support to move forward with a schedule for elections, is skeptical about the institutional reforms undertaken by the government Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez Nicolás Maduro América Cilia Flores María Corina Machado Leonardo Fernandez Viloria (REUTERS) Daily life after U.S. strikes on Venezuela, in Caracas A man walks past a supermarket in Caracas on January 7. A man walks past a supermarket in Caracas on January 7. <p>The reinstitutionalization of Venezuela — which has been so widely discussed in recent weeks — remains to be seen. Fears are growing about a superficial change, where everything changes so that nothing <i>actually</i> changes. The official commitment to holding presidential elections remains vague. The country is still waiting for economic improvements. The early<b> </b>political overtures don’t seem – for the moment – to be sufficient. Opposition politicians <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-11/venezuela-through-the-polls-venezuelans-trust-chevron-more-than-their-own-president.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-11/venezuela-through-the-polls-venezuelans-trust-chevron-more-than-their-own-president.html">don’t trust President Delcy Rodríguez’s intentions</a>, while reluctance persists in some sectors of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). New scandals are emerging: more political prisoners have died in official custody, in a murky context that has generated widespread shock.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-16/venezuela-the-risk-of-changing-so-everything-stays-the-same.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-14/the-soap-opera-of-the-chavista-influencers-a-search-for-likes-or-an-internal-schism.html Thu, 14 May 2026 10:16:53 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-14/the-soap-opera-of-the-chavista-influencers-a-search-for-likes-or-an-internal-schism.html María Martín ,Alonso Moleiro The most prominent figures in the revolution’s media ecosystem are waging a war against the Rodríguez siblings and speculating about their alleged betrayal. Is this is merely a fleeting social media controversy or a reflection of a deeper problem for the government? The most prominent figures in the revolution’s media ecosystem are waging a war against the Rodríguez siblings and speculating about their alleged betrayal. Is this is merely a fleeting social media controversy or a reflection of a deeper problem for the government? Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez Jorge Rodríguez Gómez Caracas @indiurbaneja Chavista influencers Delcy Rodríguez during a pilgrimage in Carcas. Delcy Rodríguez during a pilgrimage in Carcas. <p>Much has been written about the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. intervention, and the rise of Delcy Rodríguez, but a veil of caution has silenced the internal indignation within Chavismo—especially among its more radical sectors—as they find themselves without a president and <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-13/51st-state-the-white-houses-latest-threatening-taunt-to-venezuela.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-13/51st-state-the-white-houses-latest-threatening-taunt-to-venezuela.html">subjected to U.S. imperialism</a>. This silence has projected an image of unity during the worst crisis the Bolivarian Revolution has ever faced, but tjat was until some of its loudest voices unleashed an online war in recent days, breaking the taboo surrounding the betrayal and the role of the Rodríguez siblings in this new era. While <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-11/maria-corina-machado-the-position-of-the-united-states-and-other-allies-weighs-on-my-decision-to-return-the-timing-has-to-be-right.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-11/maria-corina-machado-the-position-of-the-united-states-and-other-allies-weighs-on-my-decision-to-return-the-timing-has-to-be-right.html">the opposition</a> watches this soap opera with glee, the lingering question is whether this friendly fire is merely a fleeting social media spat or the expression of a serious schism within the Chavista ranks.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-14/the-soap-opera-of-the-chavista-influencers-a-search-for-likes-or-an-internal-schism.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-13/51st-state-the-white-houses-latest-threatening-taunt-to-venezuela.html Wed, 13 May 2026 10:16:09 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-13/51st-state-the-white-houses-latest-threatening-taunt-to-venezuela.html Nicholas Dale Leal The official US presidential account posted a series of memes suggesting the annexation of the South American country The official US presidential account posted a series of memes suggesting the annexation of the South American country Venezuela Washington D.C. Nicolás Maduro The Notorious B.I.G. Marco Rubio Donald Trump Cuba Delcy Rodríguez Gustavo Petro La Casa Blanca “State 51” Venezuela A map published by the White House Tuesday. A map published by the White House Tuesday. <p>An image of Venezuela with the American flag superimposed within its borders and two words: “51st State.” And eight minutes later, another tweet. A nine-second video showing Secretary of State Marco Rubio in January 2026 paraphrasing rapper Biggie Smalls — “If you don’t know, now you know” — with the New York mogul’s music playing in the background, after announcing the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-23/venezuela-forgets-about-maduro-and-starts-down-an-irreversible-path.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-23/venezuela-forgets-about-maduro-and-starts-down-an-irreversible-path.html">capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>. Then the now-iconic image of Maduro inside an aircraft en route to New York is shown. And finally, Rubio again, dressed in the same gray Nike tracksuit as Maduro. They are memes, jokes, trolling. But the official White House account joked on Tuesday afternoon, without subtlety, about something profoundly serious: annexing Venezuela.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-13/51st-state-the-white-houses-latest-threatening-taunt-to-venezuela.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p>